Did Saudi Arabia Just Make History With First-Ever Swimwear Fashion Show?

Saudi Arabia made headlines by holding its first fashion show featuring swimsuit models on May 17, marking a bold move in a country where women were required to wear full-body abaya robes less than a decade ago. The groundbreaking event showcased the work of Moroccan designer Yasmina Qanzal and included mostly one-piece swimsuits in shades of red, beige, and blue.

Saudi Arabia Holds First Swimwear Fashion Show

"It's true that this country is very conservative but we tried to show elegant swimsuits which represent the Arab world," Qanzal told AFP. "When we came here, we understood that a swimsuit fashion show in Saudi Arabia is a historic moment, as it's the first time such an event is being held," she added, calling it "an honour" to be involved.

'Seriously, why not?'

The fashion show took place on the second day of the inaugural Red Sea Fashion Week at the St Regis Red Sea Resort, located off Saudi Arabia's western coast. This resort is part of Red Sea Global, one of the significant projects within Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 social and economic reform plan, overseen by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.

Syrian fashion influencer Shouq Mohammed, who attended Friday's show, expressed that the event was not surprising given Saudi Arabia's efforts to open up to the world and expand its fashion and tourism industries. "It's the first time for a swimsuit fashion show in Saudi Arabia, but why not? Seriously, why not? It's possible, and we have it here," she said.

In 2022, the fashion industry in Saudi Arabia contributed $12.5 billion, or 1.4 percent of the national GDP, and employed 230,000 people, according to a report by the Saudi Fashion Commission. The country's growing interest in fashion aligns with its broader goals under Vision 2030, which aims to diversify the economy and reduce its dependence on oil.

Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, who became first in line to the throne in 2017, has implemented a series of significant social reforms to soften Saudi Arabia's strict image, historically influenced by a purist form of Islam known as Wahhabism. These changes have included sidelining the religious police who used to enforce prayer times, reintroducing cinemas, and organising mixed-gender music festivals.

'It was a major achievement'

However, these reforms have also coincided with increased repression against dissent, including from conservative clerics who oppose such changes. Despite these challenges, the country continues to push forward with its modernization efforts.

French influencer Raphael Simacourbe, who also attended the show, commented on the significance of the event. "There was nothing risqué by my standards, but in the Saudi context, it was a major achievement. It's very brave of them to do this today, and I am very happy to be part of it," he said.

The Red Sea Fashion Week and the historic swimwear fashion show highlight Saudi Arabia's ongoing transformation and its efforts to present a more modern and open image to the world. As the nation continues to balance its conservative traditions with its ambitious Vision 2030 goals, events like these signal a significant shift in Saudi society and culture.